If you decide what to see in Georgia,Remember that this country is one of the abodes of Orthodoxy. The mountainous landscape and some isolation from the rest of European civilization created here all the conditions for the emergence of amazing architectural ensembles.
Vardzia
Including this is the monastery complex Vardzia(or Vardzia), which is located right in the caves. All of this is truly reminiscent of the first Christian communities, hiding in the mountains of Cappadocia and other Asian provinces of the Roman Empire.
Vardzia has about 600 different buildings, includingincluding religious (chapels, churches, cells), as well as economic (refectory premises, baths). Here the Mtkvari River flows, over which all these amazing buildings are located. The whole complex stretches for about a kilometer. Its height is commensurate with the size of the house of eight floors.
The central building of Vardzia is the temple, onwhich still can be seen images of the Georgian rulers of the Middle Ages - George III and Tamara. When the monastery was founded in the XII century, it also served as a fortress. The bastion protected the country from its southern neighbors - Muslims and nomads. It could accommodate a garrison the size of 50 thousand people.
Mtskheta
Tours to Georgia often include the firstthe ancient capital of this state. This is Mtskheta. Here, in the IV century, Christianity was officially adopted — much earlier than many European countries. The status of the capital here lasted until the V century, when it was moved to Tbilisi.
These places are imbued with biblical history. Fifty kilometers from here is Mount Ararat. It is there, as it is believed, Noah's Ark moored after the Great Flood.
Despite the fact that the city actively appearsmodern architecture, old historic areas remain under reliable protection, including through the efforts of UNESCO. Two kilometers from here are the remains of Armazi - an ancient settlement founded before our era. It was the holy place of the Iberian pagans until the Roman commander Pompey came here (in 65 BC).
This is already enough to understand what to see in Georgia. However, Samtavro monastery can also be found in Mtskheta. It was founded in the IV century by King Mirian III - the first Christian ruler of the country.
Svetitskhoveli
Там же, в Мцхете, находится храм, который на over the millennium was the main religious building of all of Georgia. Due to its high value, Svetitskhoveli was listed as a World Heritage Site. Travel to Georgia will be incomplete without visiting this place.
Translated into Russian, the name can mean "life-giving pillar." This is the largest historical building preserved in Georgia since the Middle Ages.
Originally this place was a wooden church, built in the IV century. She was the burial place of the robe of Christ - revered relics. Unfortunately, nothing is left of this building.
Later, a basilica appeared here, the foundation of whichIt was discovered in the 70s of the 20th century by the efforts of Soviet archaeologists. Finally, in the XI century, the damaged basilica was replaced by the Svetitskhoveli temple.
Поездка в Грузию даст возможность насладиться preserved unique architecture of this structure. The history of the construction of the temple formed the basis of the novel by Konstantin Gamsakhurdia, written in 1939. His book The Hand of the Great Master, first published in Georgian, was successfully adopted in the USSR and marked by Stalin.
Uplistsikhe
Not far from Gori is another greatmonument of local exoticism. These are the remains of the town of Uplistsikhe, located in a huge cave complex. The uniqueness of this ensemble is that it is several thousand years old, and during all this time several different cultures lived here, each of which has preserved something of itself. The result was a kaleidoscope that captured the life of the locals over the centuries.
If you still do not know what to see in Georgia,then urgently take tickets to Gori to get to Uplistsikhe. The city flourished many times, was re-left by residents and rebuilt. Large halls, mysterious tunnels, other buildings - all this is literally carved into the rocky rock.
Где-то на границе второго и первого тысячелетия BC here appeared the first religious buildings of pagans. Not far from here on the hills also existed a settlement in the Bronze Age. However, an unknown cataclysm forced the inhabitants to leave it and go down into the caves.
The city was not part of any state and lived apart from its neighbors. However, there is evidence that, at that time, Uplistsikhe even traded with distant Mussel.
The growth of the city was particularly noticeable at the beginning of our era,when money came from trade routes between the East and Europe. Before the advent of Christianity, the gods of the Earth, the Sun and other elements were worshiped here. During the years of the Georgian kingdom, Uplistsikhe flourished. However, the Mongol invasion in the XIII century put an end to its greatness. And although later it was settled again several times, he could not reach the previous heights. The caves were finally abandoned in the XIX century. Anyway, no cities of Georgia will make such an impression as these magnificent ruins.
Alaverdi Cathedral
Kakheti is the easternmost region of Georgia. He, as well as the west of the country, is rich in attractions. So here, too, there is something to see in Georgia.
Например, в XI веке тут построили храм Алаверди.The building has preserved original murals from the 15th century. Unfortunately, the more ancient evidence of time died, as the temple was often destroyed by invaders.
It is dedicated to Saint George and for a long time.was the highest temple of the country. The complex is surrounded by a stone wall, within which many buildings are preserved. This is a bell tower, refectory halls, as well as a small palace. Kakhetian kings were buried here. Their graves can still be found in the courtyard of the temple. They are still of interest to archaeological research. Tours to Georgia often include this point of the route.
Borjomi
This is the name of the resort, the national park and the world famous brand of healing water. Travel to Georgia can not do without these amazing places.
Минеральная вода добывается в ущелье, которое с It has long been a popular holiday destination. Including here royal people were coming. The Romanov dynasty had its own residence here, which has been preserved to this day.
Moderate temperatures persist in summer andin winter, it has a positive effect on health. This is really a great place to relieve stress and gain strength for a long time. Stone baths, found here and referred to the past centuries, suggest that the beneficial properties of the local water were known in ancient times.
Ananuri
The landscape of Georgia is full of gorges that have always beenimportant transportation routes. In the Middle Ages, they were guarded like the pupil of the eye, since it was often the only way the enemy could come. Therefore, in the gorges built fortresses, which was very difficult to take because of the massive fortifications and advantages in position.
One of these fortifications was Ananuri.The fortress is only 70 kilometers from the capital Tbilisi, so it is easy to reach. Like other cities in Georgia, a well-fortified castle was an important position for Russian troops when the country joined Russia in the 19th century. Authentic towers and temples make a strong impression even on those who are already familiar with the local flavor.
Gelati Monastery
This is the main monastery of medieval Georgia,which was also the residence of the supreme dignitaries of the local Church from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries. In the 1990s, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site, which means additional protection from UNESCO.
There are unique mosaics that are no longerhas Georgia. Reviews about this place are always the brightest and brightest. The architectural ensemble began to build in the XII century and continued for several centuries.
Gudauri
В завершение отвлечемся от исторических экскурсий and fast forward to the snow-covered resorts. Alpine skiing Georgia does not develop so long, but now it is often the only goal of tourists visiting this country.
One of the most popular resorts is called Gudauri. It has everything for an active and vibrant holiday. The Caucasus Mountains are a unique nature and clean air that will invigorate anyone.
Especially popular here are the virgin fields and the descentby him. This is a great freeride track. For beginners in the resort is open training slope length of 600 meters. To quickly climb to the top of the complex, you can use the cable cars, of which there are several. So a trip to Georgia guarantees not only an interesting and useful voyage, but also a lot of extreme sensations.
